Firebird Brewery beer wins national competition trophy

Fireweisse, a wheat beer from Firebird Brewing Co in Rudgwick, was a category winner in a national competition.

The beer won Best Other - a category for speciality beers - in the Indie Beer Can Festival.

Sponsored by the Can Makers and the Society of Independent Brewers, the competition aims to promote the idea of craft beer in cans.

They point out that cans keep the beer away from light as well as air, are light, easy to stack, quick to chill, and easy to recycle.

Independent brewers across the UK and Eire, whether or not they already use cans, can enter the competition, and finalists get to have their beer canned.

A design team is provided to help create a new design to give the can a finishing touch.

There were 131 entrants across three categories - ale, lager, and other - with 36 semi-finalists and 13 finalists. Trophies were also handed out for ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Best Design’.

Speaking before the final, a Firebird Brewing Co representative said: “We entered the Indie Beer Can Festival because we thought it was a challenge - and we love that - and also because (as far as we know) no craft brewer has ever canned Weissbier and we thought that was cool!

“We’re excited about cans because they are a phenomenon in craft beer, and we want to be part of it!”

The judging panel included industry experts Adrian Tierney-Jones and Annabel Smith, Ben Hume, (then beer buyer for Lidl, now Head of Wine for Lidl Intl), as well as Martin Constable, chairman of the Can Makers.

Ben Hulme said: “The range of tastes and can designs at the Festival has been nothing short of spectacular and I have really enjoyed tasting each brand. The independent beer industry is one that celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship and these qualities have been on display in abundance. I feel privileged to have been a judge, encouraging a brilliant industry.”

Martin Constable said: “Two years ago there were only a handful of UK craft beers available in can. We couldn’t be prouder that this festival has supported such incredible and positive market growth.

“We’d like to congratulate all the entrants and finalists who have done an amazing job showcasing indie beers in cans.”

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